Dominican focuses on the holistic development of each student, from academic to personal growth. Hence, the Guidance Department directs its efforts toward facilitation of the complete development of each individual.
Guidance Functions
The core function of the guidance program is counseling. Guidance counselors assist the student in working toward his/her growth in the areas of educational, career and personal-social concerns. This service is provided through individual contacts, group procedures and support groups.
Because guidance involves the total development of the individual, all school staff members are part of the program. The Guidance Department provides the threads that bind the program together and helps the student to be more independent in his/her judgments and decisions. The Guidance Department also may consult with teachers, administrators, parents and community agencies that provide special services required by some students.
Role of the Counselor
The guidance counselor assists with several areas of student life: academic, college planning and personal development. Dominican has two full-time guidance professionals on staff:
Director of Guidance:
Mrs. Diana Stellhorn
B.S. in Psychology, UW-Whitewater
M.S. In Educational and Clinical Psychology, UW-Milwaukee
414.332.1170, ext. 142
Guidance Counselor:
Mr. Mark Nagle
B.A. - English, St. John's University, Collegeville, MN
M.S. - Educational Psychology, UW-Milwaukee
Licensed K-12 School Counselor
414.332.1170, ext. 141
To facilitate academic development, counselors assist students in selecting courses that fit both their abilities and future goals. If academic difficulties arise, the counselor helps to make the arrangements for appropriate assistance and may facilitate parent-teacher conferences as deemed useful. Counselors will collaborate with teachers, the Learning Resource Center (see below) coordinator and administrators to work toward a student's academic success. The Guidance Department distributes information about the college selection process, testing requirements and available resources, beginning in September of a student’s Sophomore year. Financial aid information for college is also made available through the counselor, the December financial aid seminar for parents, and by college representatives who visit Dominican to meet with prospective students.
The guidance counselor also assists students with their personal and social development through individual conferences, classroom group guidance and small group meetings. Students are encouraged to meet individually with counselors whenever personal/social concerns or needs arise. Counselors have access to information regarding outside agencies to aid students and families in times of need. Parents are encouraged to call the counselor for information in any of the above areas and to attend Freshman/Junior/Senior parent evenings. The Guidance Department welcomes such parental involvement.
Academic Support Services
Dominican strongly believes in helping students to achieve academic success. To assist in achieving that goal, several resources (listed below) have been implemented into the academic program at Dominican. Although these resources are optional for most students, they are widely used by almost every member of the student body.
Learning Resource Center - The Learning Resource Center (LRC) acts as a support center for students who need skill reinforcement or for students with mild learning disabilities. Instead of attending a study hall, qualifying students will come to the LRC where they will work in a small classroom atmosphere. Students will have the opportunity to work on homework, study for tests, and receive individual tutoring. The LRC can also provide specific skills courses and special needs accommodations for students.
Math Lab - All Dominican students may get assistance in any level of math from teachers and peer tutors.
Writing Lab - With the implementation of the Writing Across the Curriculum program, Dominican has established a writing lab, based on college models. Students may bring in their essays at any stage of the process and work with an English teacher.
Transcript Requests
The Guidance Department handles all transcript requests. Official transcripts (signed and sealed by a school official) are only sent directly to a college/university, scholarship committee or place of intended employment. A copy of a transcript may be given to the alumni or student requesting it, but this transcript is considered unofficial and will not be signed or sealed.
In order to obtain transcripts, a release form must be filled out and turned into the Guidance Office along with a $2.00 processing fee per transcript. (Note: Click on the release form link to print the form. Current students are not required to pay the fee.) Please make checks payable to Dominican High School. The completed release form and applicable fee payment should be sent to:
Mrs. Rachel Garry
Guidance/Records
Dominican High School
120 E. Silver Spring Dr.
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
If you have questions regarding transcripts, please contact Rachel Garry at 414.332.1170, x140.
